Shows
StoryHack PodcastThe Prince of Mars Returns (Part 5)Concluding "The Prince of Mars Returns" by Philip Francis Nowlan.2024-07-0533 minStoryHack PodcastThe Prince of Mars Returns (Part 4)Continuing "The Prince of Mars Returns" by Philip Francis Nowlan.2024-07-0434 minStoryHack PodcastThe Prince of Mars Returns (Part 3)Continuing "The Prince of Mars Returns" by Philip Francis Nowlan.2024-07-0321 minStoryHack PodcastThe Prince of Mars Returns (Part 2)Continuing "The Prince of Mars Returns" by Philip Francis Nowlan.2024-07-0231 minStoryHack PodcastThe Prince of Mars Returns (Part 1)The Prince of Mars Returns, by Philip Francis Nowlan (Part 1)2024-07-0123 min
Vintage Writing InstructionMystery Stories for ChildrenMystery Stories for Children, By Ruby Lorraine Radford. Originally appeared in the September 1940 issue of "Writer's Digest."2024-05-1715 minStoryHack PodcastRedheaded DecoyA redheaded girl led six G-men toward the killers’ hidden lair. Was the redhead
betraying the mobster she loved? Or was she Murder’s come-on girl? By Don Cameron. Originally published in April 1937 in Secret Agent X. Copyright not renewed, now in the public domain.2024-05-1738 minStoryHack PodcastThe Priestess Who RebelledThe Priestess Who Rebelled, by Nelson S. Bond.2024-04-2640 minVintage Writing InstructionOverstrainThis is Chapter Seven of "Fundamentals of Fiction Writing" by Arthur Sullivant Hoffman, who was the editor of "Adventure," one of the highest circulating magazines in the heyday of the pulps. Originally published in 1922, now in the public domain. This chapter deals with "overstrain", which is what happens when you make your readers work too hard to understand your story.2024-02-0807 minVintage Writing InstructionClearnessThis is chapter 6 of "Fundamentals of Fiction Writing" by Arthur Sullivant Hoffman, who was the editor of "Adventure," one of the highest circulating magazines in the heyday of the pulps. Originally published in 1922, now in the public domain.2024-02-0116 minVintage Writing InstructionDistractionsThis is chapter 5 of "Fundamentals of Fiction Writing" by Arthur Sullivant Hoffman, who was the editor of "Adventure," one of the highest circulating magazine in the heyday of the pulps. Originally published in 1922, now in the public domain.2024-01-1816 minVintage Writing InstructionYour ReadersThis is the fourth chapter of "Fundamentals of Fiction Writing" by Arthur Sullivant Hoffman. Originally published in 1922, it is now in the public domain.2023-12-2105 minStoryHack PodcastReturn of a DemonZedri-Nesu was an ancient demon who was a curse to lovers. Now he was released to prey on them. This episode is "Return of a Demon" by Alexander Blade. Originally published in the May, 1943 issue of Fantastic Adventures. Extensive research could not discover a copyright renewal, so it is believed to be in the public domain.2023-12-2028 minVintage Writing InstructionCreating the IllusionThis is the third chapter of "Fundamentals of Fiction Writing" by Arthur Sullivant Hoffman. Originally published in 1922, now in the public domain.2023-12-1415 minVintage Writing InstructionA General SurveyThis is the second chapter of "Fundamentals of Fiction Writing" by Arthur Sullivant Hoffman. Originally published in 1922, it is now in the public domain.2023-12-0712 minVintage Writing InstructionBy Way of IntroductionThis is the first chapter of "Fundamentals of Fiction Writing" by Arthur Sullivant Hoffman. I'll be posting several chapters from this book over the next few weeks.2023-11-3014 minVintage Writing InstructionThe Use of the Subconscious Mind in FictionThoughts on enlisting your subconscious mind to help you write. Originally published in a 1920 issue of "Writer's Monthly". Written by D. G. Baird.2023-10-1806 minStoryHack PodcastSpecial Agent to Venus"To Paul Wayne, being wrecked meant only that his comrades faced extermination." Short Story by Thornton Ayre. Original publication: October, 1940 issue of Fantastic Adventures. Extensive research has not revealed the necessary renewal of copyright, so this is believed to be in the public domain.2023-10-1855 minStoryHack PodcastThe Lost Gods"The Lost Gods" by Dorothy Quick. A short story. "Gods are as real as their worshipers."2023-10-0344 minStoryHack PodcastJewels of the ToadAlmost anything can happen when certain chemicals get together in the correct proportion—even a time blast! This episode features "Jewels of the Toad" by Frank Patton.2023-09-1537 minVintage Writing InstructionWhat Makes a StoryBy Ewing Cockrell, originally published in the January, 1908 issue of "The Editor". A brief reminder of the important part of telling a story.2023-09-1503 minVintage Writing InstructionThe Philosophy of NamesThe Philosophy of Names by Florence Tabor Critchlow. From a 1909 issue of "The Editor." Musings on naming your characters.2023-09-0810 minVintage Writing InstructionLetters to a Beginner VI - Stories That Sell.Sixth and final in a series of a fictitious editor writing to his imaginary son. By Leslie W. Quirk. These letters originally published in 1903-1904 issues of "The Editor."2023-09-0706 minStoryHack Podcast$100,000 for a WifeA live radio play I directed a couple of years ago. A little outside the regular fare around here, but fun nonetheless.2023-08-1629 minVintage Writing InstructionLetters to a Beginner V - In Quest of a MarketFifth in a series of a fictitious editor writing to his imaginary son. By Leslie W. Quirk. These letters originally published in 1903-1904 issues of "The Editor."2023-08-1608 minVintage Writing InstructionLetters to a Beginner IVThe fourth letter in the series by Leslie W. Quirk. These letters originally published in 1903-1904 issues of "The Editor."2023-08-1504 minVintage Writing InstructionLetters to a Beginner IIAnother of the series of fictional letters by Leslie W. Quirk. These letters originally published in 1903-1904 issues of "The Editor."2023-08-1108 minVintage Writing InstructionLetters to a Beginner III, On PunctuationThe third in the series of fictional letters by Leslie W. Quirk. These letters originally published in 1903-1904 issues of "The Editor."2023-08-1110 minVintage Writing InstructionLetters to a Beginner IWritten by the editor of "The Editor", these are letters from a fictional father who happens to be an editor to his equally fictional son as the son begins a writing career.2023-07-1709 minVintage Writing InstructionThe Psychology of the Happy Ending"The Psychology of the Happy Ending", by James Melvin Lee. From the September 1908 issue of "The Editor."2023-04-0703 minStoryHack PodcastThe World Behind the MoonThe World Behind the Moon by Paul Ernst from the public domain. What bizarre life lies in wait on the planet hidden in the moon's shadow?2023-03-1743 minVintage Writing InstructionThe Expression of PathosThe Expression of Pathos by Emily Vaile. From the May, 1908 issue of "The Editor."2023-03-1503 minStoryHack PodcastSailors' Grudge by Robert E. HowardSailors' Grudge by Robert E. Howard. From the public domain, narrated by Bryce Beattie.2023-02-1037 minVintage Writing InstructionA Simple Means to True PsychosisA Simple Means to True Psychosis, by George Law. Some considerations for making characters feel more real.2023-02-1007 minStoryHack PodcastThe Black Stone StatueThe Black Stone Statue by Mary Elizabeth Counselman. Narrated by Katie Beattie.2023-01-2434 minStoryHack PodcastKnife Man's NemesisO'Hare had embarked on his strangest case. For he was on the trail of a man who combined business with pleasure by insuring his victims before killing them. And When O'Hare caught up with this homicide host, he found his quarry about to sacrifice another beautiful girl on the altar of greed.2022-12-2227 minVintage Writing InstructionMy Murder Chart"My Murder Chart" by Whitman Chambers. How one successful writer plans the crimes in his novels. From September and October 1933 issues of "Writer's Digest."2022-11-2234 minVintage Writing InstructionStrong SentencesBy Arthur E. Lawrence. Originally Published in 1904 in The Editor. Some thoughts on crafting sentences for greater impact.2022-10-2604 minStoryHack PodcastThe Cronin Matter, from Yours Truly, Johnny DollarAn old time radio mystery serial, merged to play as a single performance.2022-10-211h 05StoryHack PodcastRobots Can't LieRobots Can't Lie, by Robert Leslie Bellem.2022-09-2321 minVintage Writing InstructionBuilding a Plot with Five QuestionsBy G. Glenwood Clark. Originally published in the September, 1920 Issue of The Writer's Monthly. Taking the plot-germ and growing it into a story.2022-09-2210 minStoryHack PodcastSword of FireJupiter Jones, naked and helpless in the slime of that vile world, cursed the space warp that had flung him down among its groveling mutants. For their rising, exited whispers proclaimed him a knight in shining armor -- the bright weapon in his hands their only hope against the vicious octopods who enslaved them!
Episode 36 is "Sword of Fire" by Emmett McDowell, first published in the Winter 1949 issue of Planet Stories, and now is in the public domain.2022-09-072h 07Vintage Writing InstructionGetting Into PrintToday's article is "Getting Into Print" by famed author Jack London. Originally Printed in the March 1903 Issue of The Editor, and now in the public domain.2022-09-0209 minStoryHack PodcastLeather LarcenyAfter much too long of a hiatus, the podcast is back with a boxing story, "Leather Larceny" by Larry Sternig. "This kid they practically dragged into the ring... made him fight... made him yellow... made him tough... made him champ."2022-08-2231 minVintage Writing InstructionA Climax by SuggestionToday's article is, "A Climax by Suggestion," by J. Albert Mallory. It originally appeared in the June 1908 issue of "The Editor." and is now in the public domain.2022-08-2209 minVintage Writing InstructionQuiet, Murder at Work!By C. William Harrison Originally Published in the July, 1944 issue of Writer's Digest, now in the public domain. Being a writer vs an author of crime fiction.2022-07-1511 minVintage Writing InstructionThe Elements of AppealBy Arthur Wallace Peach. Originally published in the December, 1908 issue of "The Editor". A quick discussion of some things that will never go out of style in fiction.2022-06-0908 minVintage Writing InstructionTurning People into ChecksBy Bill Rendered. Originally published in The Writer's Monthly in 1920, and is now in the public domain. I strongly suspect the author's name was just a joke pseudonym of the magazine's editor, or another anonymous author.2022-06-0205 minVintage Writing InstructionHorror in the Short StoryBy Leon Mones, originally published in the February 25, 1918 issue of "The Editor." Brief discussion of how to shape a horror story for emotional impact.2022-05-2705 minVintage Writing InstructionWave Those TagsBy Lester Dent. From "The Writer’s 1940 Year Book" This was a follow up to his now-famous Master Pulp Plot, and now in the public domain.2022-05-1216 minVintage Writing InstructionBreak it Up!Thoughts on writing better dialogue. By that master of spicy detective stories, Robert Leslie Bellem. Originally published in the July 1944 issue of Writer’s Digest. Now in the public domain.2022-05-0509 minVintage Writing InstructionDrama in the Short StoryBy John Gallishaw. From Twenty Problems of the Fiction Writer, which is now in the public domain. This article presents the origin of the Scene/Sequel method which would later be popularized by Dwight V. Swain. It describes a way to plan scenes such that the plot is continually moving forward and is providing interesting events for the reader.2022-04-2833 minVintage Writing InstructionThe Science Fiction FieldBy Leigh Brackett. Originally published in the July 1944 issue of "Writer’s Digest," now in the public domain. Winner of the 2020 Retro Hugo Award for Related Work.2022-04-2228 minVintage Writing InstructionA Word About SettingSetting is not just about accurately describing the physical nature of a time and place, it is also about instilling a feeling in the reader. By Sara H. Sterling. Originally published in the January 1916 issue of "The Writer’s Monthly"2022-04-2104 minVintage Writing InstructionWhy Stories are RejectedMany rejected stories shared similar weaknesses. By Ward Macauley. Originally published in the April 1903 issue of "The Editor."2022-04-2105 minVintage Writing InstructionThe Dramatic and the UndramaticWhat kind of drama actually makes a story interesting? By Louise Montgomery. Originally published in the April 8th, 1922 issue of The Editor2022-04-2106 minVintage Writing InstructionShort Story IntroductionsDifferent ways to start a short story. From The Editor, July, 1918. By R. C. Woodbury2022-04-2110 minVintage Writing InstructionBreath of LifeBy Marian B. Cockrell. This was published in Writer’s Digest August, 1943, and is now in the public domain. This one is kind of light on how-to details, but is an important concept to consider. It’s hard to get someone to read a story if he isn’t interested in the characters. Marian ended up writing often for TV, including a few episodes from the original Batman TV show.2022-04-2110 minVintage Writing InstructionLet Yourself GoBy James H. S. Moynahan in 19402022-04-2112 minVintage Writing InstructionA Very Simple SystemBy William Benton Johnston.2022-04-2114 minVintage Writing InstructionGet That Novel Out of Your SystemHow one writer got started, with writing tips sprinkled throughout. By Marjorie Holmes.2022-04-2119 minVintage Writing InstructionIt's All a Matter of TimingA simple framework for writing a short story. Useful in any practically any genre. By Nelson S. Bond.2022-04-2115 minVintage Writing InstructionWhat is Interest?What types of stories arouse interest in readers? By Barry Scobee. Originally published in the June 1916 issue of "The Writer’s Monthly".2022-04-2104 minVintage Writing InstructionShould You Write Pot Boilers?It's an age-old debate. Should you strive to impress the literary fiction masters, or write for the common folk? By Thomas H. Uzzell. Originally published in March 1925 issue of "Writer’s Digest."2022-04-2114 minVintage Writing InstructionHow to Make a Story InterestingBy John Gallishaw. Excerpted from "Twenty Problems of the Fiction Writer" published in 1929 and now in the public domain. One of the best articles I have ever found on what makes readers interested in reading your story.2022-04-2146 minVintage Writing InstructionIntroduction to Vintage Writing InstructionA short introduction to this podcast. What you should expect, and why I'm doing it.2022-04-2002 minStoryHack PodcastThe Christmas Spirit“Give a guy a fair break!” said the sherriff, his arms in the air. “I was half asleep like-it was a sort o’ lapse me givin’ you that gun. Be fair now, an’ hand it back, there’s a buddy!”2022-04-0332 minStoryHack PodcastThe Empress of MarsDeath stalked Darak of Werg at every step, but the Royal Bracelet and the Princess of Werg meant far more than one man’s life.2022-04-021h 20StoryHack PodcastHome Sweet HomicideJust before a bullet removed Leander Leffwell from the living, that Beantown screwball had completed his radio for talking with the dead. And to spot Leander’s sponsor, Snooty Piper set out to tune himself in on hell’s black network.2022-04-0128 minStoryHack PodcastThe Insect InvasionHorror filled Dr. Ames as the insect horde swooped down on the helpless village. Could nothing stop their awful attack?2022-03-3146 minStoryHack PodcastThe Half HauntedWould you laugh if something followed you around your home- something cold and sneaky, that wasn’t even there when you turned your head?2022-03-3042 minStoryHack PodcastInvaders from Sirius“Keep going!” roared Thomas. “Get in there and clean out those rotors or I’ll shoot you down!” Webb climbed desperately, his body buffeted by the suction from the giant wheel.2022-03-291h 02StoryHack PodcastKill that HeadlineAs a newspaperman, he couldn’t decently or ethically do anything about it. But as a man in love with the girl reporter, he had to make his move when she was threatened…2022-03-2826 minStoryHack PodcastRevolt of the RobotsAmbition gripped the mind of Tarra Greghold, and she sought to rule the world, unaware that a robot mind could become ambitious as well.2022-03-2749 minStoryHack PodcastThe Golden GoblinsEach warrior was given a sacred bundle, to keep and to pass on in reverence down through generations, never to open it, never to reveal what power lay within. Now, that generational secret is threatened, and it may be more dangerous than anyone could have imagined.2022-03-2642 minStoryHack PodcastSea CurseAn eerie tale of mystical revenge.2022-03-2519 minStoryHack PodcastThe Enchantress of SylaireHer land was old in evil and sorcery-and all who dwelt therein were ancient as the land… and equally cursed.2022-03-2437 minStoryHack PodcastA Knife in a Dark HandI forced an AI to read all of the original Conan Stories, then write its own. This is the glorious result.2022-03-2317 minStoryHack PodcastPistol PoliticsWhat happens when a roudy mining town decides it wants to be a city? Even more gunfights and mayhem than normal.2022-03-2236 minStoryHack PodcastDeath Dives DeepA scientist is forced miles below the earth’s surface to hide from a deadly foe. But what he finds below is far more deadly than the mere gangsters he left above.2022-03-2158 minStoryHack PodcastThe Terror by NightHe didn't believe, so he played with forces he couldn't understand. Now he will pay the price.2022-03-2046 minStoryHack PodcastThe Leonardo RondacheLeonardo Da Vinci may have painted the shield, but did he put the demon in it?2022-03-1927 minStoryHack PodcastThe Scarlet Salamander (Part 2)Continuing the story from last episode.2022-03-1840 minStoryHack PodcastThe Scarlet SalamanderA crime wave tears through the city, leaving the signature of a notorious criminal - The Scarlet Salamander.2022-03-1752 minStoryHack PodcastThe Devil’s Race TrackAn evil club bets on a race to end people's lives.2022-03-1632 minStoryHack PodcastBill of Rights, 5000 A.D.What happens when the people forget? How many does it take to spark a revolution?2022-03-1510 minStoryHack PodcastDaughter of Thor (Finale)The climactic Finale. Will our hero win the heart of Thor's daughter? We he even survive the battle?2022-03-1456 minStoryHack PodcastThe Daughter of Thor (Part 2)As if the Nazis alone weren't bad enough, now he is captured by a band of Norse gods.2022-03-1342 minStoryHack PodcastThe Daughter of Thor (Part 1)A strange sequence of events leads an American pilot and a Nazi officer to the mythical land of Valhalla.2022-03-1229 minStoryHack PodcastThe Bulldog BreedIn which Sailor Steve Costigan says goodbye to his beloved Sea Girl then fights the frenchman who kicked his dog.2022-03-1140 minStoryHack PodcastEscape from UtopiaLife in “Utopia” was beautiful, perfectly regulated to satisfy everyone’s needs and desires—except one.2022-03-1028 minStoryHack PodcastHard GuySomething about the raw deal that this kid was getting made Dan Flaherty forget that he was supposed to be a hard guy. . .2022-03-0922 minStoryHack PodcastClue of CourageJust a dumb rookie cop, they said. A mugg with brains in his feet and not enough savvy to buck the choppers.2022-03-0822 minStoryHack PodcastDonegal SailorWhen you spend your life building sailing ships, you love them all the way to violence.2022-03-0712 minStoryHack PodcastBlood for the Vampire DeadWas this then the horrible price Tim Croft must pay for his disbelief in devil-magic philtres?- forfeiture of his own lovely fiancee’s life-blood to the undead corpse of Haunted Hollow!2022-03-0629 minStoryHack PodcastAn Adventure on ErosWho can handle the pressure on a dangerous space trip when the stakes are high?2022-03-0516 minStoryHack PodcastThe Devil's CryptAs the creatures of a condemned man's dream, the Brotherhood of Black Evil arose from the dust of 800,000 years to weave its spell of criminal sorcery over those who knew the answer to the Gray Sphinx riddle.2022-03-041h 00StoryHack PodcastThe Monster from NowhereA man brings home an impossible creature.2022-03-0340 minStoryHack PodcastLaw and OrderThis episode used to be number 12, but after the relaunch, is now number 2. It is a western, happening before law came to San Francisco. Written by Gordon Young, originally published in Adventure, February of 1919.2022-03-0216 minStoryHack PodcastStoryHack Podcast RelaunchI'm getting the podcast started back up. For those who are new to the podcast, I also explain what to expect.2022-03-0102 min